This course will outline creative research methods and show you how to use them appropriately at every stage of the evaluation process. The course builds on the SRA's 'Introduction to Evaluation' course, so we assume that you have a good working knowledge of evaluation types and frameworks, evaluation design, and how to tailor evaluation research to different contexts. If you are not familiar with the theory and practice of evaluation, we recommend that you attend the SRA's 'Introduction to Evaluation' course first.

This course builds on that course by introducing arts-based methods, research using technology, mixed methods, and transformative research frameworks such as participatory and activist research. Any or all of these techniques can be used alongside more conventional evaluation methods and are often particularly useful when addressing more complex evaluation questions. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to try applying these methods to evaluation design and presentation: you can work on an evaluation project of your own, or use one provided by the course tutor. Attention will be paid to ethical issues throughout. The day will include plenty of practical advice and tips on using creative methods in evaluation research.

Everyone attending this course will receive a complimentary copy of Creative Research Methods for the Social Sciences: A Practical Guide, written by the course tutor and published in 2015 by Policy Press.

Topics

Using creative research methods in evaluation:

Planning and design

Context-setting

Data gathering

Data analysis

Reporting

Presentation

Dissemination

Who will benefit?

Anyone who is conducting, or intending to conduct, evaluation research, and wants to widen their knowledge of available methods. This course will be relevant for evaluation practitioners from the third sector, public services (e.g. health, criminal justice, social care, education, local or national government), and those who work in independent research organisations or academia.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, you will:

Have a good level of knowledge of creative research methods

Understand how to use creative research methods

Understand when to use creative methods in evaluation research

Course tutor

Dr Helen Kara has been an independent researcher since 1999, working primarily in social care and health, with experience of criminal justice, education, and the third sector. Her clients have included local, regional and national government departments and bodies, and statutory and third sector organisations and partnerships. She has employment experience from the private, statutory and third sectors. Helen writes on research methods, teaches research methods to practitioners and students, and loves to demystify the processes of writing and research.